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Google Maps getting a dark mode on iOS, nearly two years after Apple rolled out dark mode as part of iOS 13. The feature, which is arriving in the coming weeks, should be welcome for when you’re using the app at night or in dark environments. You can get an idea of what dark mode will look like in the picture at the top of this post.
To turn on dark mode, go to the settings menu, tap on dark mode, and then tap “on.” And if you want Google Maps to flip between light and dark mode to match your system settings, you’ll be able to do that, Google tells The Verge.
Google Maps on iOS is getting a couple other features in August as well. The app will support widgets and will offer two different options: one that shows the traffic conditions near you and another that has shortcuts for Google Maps’ search bar and places like your home or restaurants near you.
According to a blog post, there are three new features rolling out to Google Maps on iOS. Dark mode is certain to be the one that receives the most attention. In the coming weeks, Google Maps users on iOS will be able to give their eyes and their batteries a break by heading to the Settings menu within the Google Maps app, tapping on dark mode, and choosing On. This is a feature that many iPhone owners have been requesting for years, and now it’s finally here.
Google will also soon let you share your live location from iMessage, which could be a handy way to tell your friends or family in a group chat where you are. By default, your location will only be shared for an hour, but you can share it for up to three days if you’d like.
When the feature is rolled out to you, tap the Google Maps icon in iMessage and you’ll see an option to share your real-time location.
Google has also released two new widgets for iOS devices. The nearby traffic widget will allow you to see live traffic conditions in your area right from the home screen. If you’re about to head out and want to know what you’ll be dealing with on the road, you’ll have one less step to take to find out. There’s also a Google Maps search widget that allows you to quickly search for a location or navigate to frequent destinations with a single tap.